Manual Or Electric
Shaving – The Pros & Cons Of Both!
Just like many other Americans, I've started shaving with disposable razor blades until I had enough money to buy my first electric shaver. Over the years, I've bought new electric shavers a few times and now it's time again to buy a new shaver. Of course I can just go to the shop and buy the shaver which will be recommended to me but this time I've been doing a bit more research myself.
And of course, the first question is: should I buy a new electric shaver or maybe a manual shaver? The electric shavers have been improved a lot over the years and even better with the special wet&dry models but a traditional straight or double-edged razor has a very nice smooth shave as well...
Shaving is an ancient practice (wikipedia). With technological
advancement, today there is the choice between manual and electric shaving.
While manual or electric shaving has been a choice for many years now, wet
electric shaving was not a reality till a few years back. Today, even that has
been accomplished. Every man has a personal preference when it comes to
shaving. Some men are naturally inclined to shave manually while some grow up
with electric shavers. What you shall like or choose will certainly be your
call. Without personal biases and without opinionating on the subject, here is
an objective assessment of manual and electric shaving, taking into
consideration the pros and cons of both.
Electric Shaving Pros
- Electric shaving is faster than manual shaving. Electric shaving is more effective at one swipe which means that you don’t have to shave the same area repeatedly. Electric shavers force the hairs to get erected before cutting them, making for a quick shave at once.
- Electric shaving is more convenient and it is easier to use an electric shaver almost anywhere, something that is not possible with manual shavers. In other words, electric shavers are portable, certainly more easily.
- Electric shaving doesn’t call for accessories or essentials, from gels to water.
- Electric shaving is effective for beards, facial hair, sideburns and mustaches.
- Electric shaving is also safer as there is almost nil possibility of cuts, nicks or ingrown hairs.
Electric Shaving Cons
- Electric shaving does not offer an impeccably or spotlessly clean shave. You do not get as close or as smooth a finish as manual razors offer. As a result, you will have to indulge in shaving more often than you normally would.
- Electric shaving is also more difficult to master. One can easily use an electric shaver but perfecting the motions and getting an effective shave with such devices require practice.
- Electric shaving is a dry experience which most men don’t like. However, there are some latest models which allow wet shaving, using gel or foam and water.
- Some electric shavers make a lot of noise, thus making an inconvenient or unpleasant ambience.
- Electrical shaving requires batteries and you need to buy them again or recharge them as and when needed. The batteries may run out in the middle of a shave.
- Electric shaving calls for more maintenance, unless there are automated cleaning functions.
- Electric shaving is costly, much more than what manual shaving demands.
Manual Shaving Pros
- Manual shaving offers a clean, smooth or close shave.
- Manual shaving is easier for teenagers and also quite convenient to master.
- Manual shaving is less expensive. It is almost inexpensive and all materials or parts are easily replaceable. Even buying new kits is a miniscule cost, especially in comparison with electric shaving kits.
- Manual shaving kits are harmless and they can be carried anywhere. They don’t need any batteries or power outlets. Some gel or foam and some water would be all that you need to shave.
Manual Shaving Pros
- Manual shaving is painstakingly time consuming. You have to apply the creams, gels, shave and clean your face, the device and then restore all the essentials and accessories.
- You have to continuously change the blades of the manual shavers. Some blades, depending on the model, can be expensive. But those expensive blades will also last longer.
- Cuts or bruising, nicks or ingrown hairs are more common with manual shaving.
